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Poisonous Snakes |
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Snakes
Introduction
The coral snake and 11 species of rattlesnakes found in Arizona are among the most diverse and fascinating animals in the world.
Their mythic reputations engender both our fear and fascination with venomous creatures. Unfortunately, the informantion handed down through western folklore wrongfully depicts these animals as aggressive or menacing. Actually, the majority of reptile bites managed through the Arizona Poison and Drug Information Center were provoked by the person who was bitten. Most bites are preventable when we use informed caution with these desert neighbors.
When someone is bitten, the Arizona Poison and Drug Information Center is frequently called upon to offer medical consultation. Fortunately, fatalities from reptile bites are extremely rare when modern medical resources are available. Despite the fact that the recent death rate has dropped to less than 1%, serious symptoms are possible, and all bite victims must be seen in a health care facility without delay.
Preventing Bites
Some bites, however, are true accidents. A few precautions will redue the possibility of contact with an unseen snake:
- Leave wild animals alone. Fifty to seventy percent of reptile bites managed by the Arizona Poison and Drug Information Center were provoked by the person who was bitten-that is, by someone trying to kill, capture or harass the animal.
- Be aware of peak movement times. Reptiles are most active in the warmer months of April through October. During the hottest months, they will be most active at night. They may be encounterd during the day in spring and fall.
- Try to keep your hands and feet out of crevices in rocks, wood piles and deep grass. Always carry a flashlight and wear shoes or boots when walking after dark.
- Never handle a venomous reptile, even after it's dead. Reflex strikes with envenomation can occur for several hours after death.
- Install outdoor lighting for yards, porches and sidewalks. If you see a venomous reptile in your yard, it is probably just "passing through". However, if you are concerned about a dangerous animal in your yard, seek professional assistance in removing it.
Rattlesnakes
There are 11 different species of rattlesnakes in Arizona and all are venomous. Venoms are complex poisons which vary greatly in composition and potency among species and individuals. In addition to rattles, all rattlesnakes share some common physical characteristics including a triangular shaped head, a facial pit, elliptical pupils and foldable fangs.
First Aid
In many cases, first aid performed in the field by the patient or companions only causes additional injury. Ice, incision and suction, tight tourniquets, administration of drugs or alcohol, and most recently, electric shock, have all been associated with complications negating their alleged benefits. These measures may also delay the patient's transortation to professional medical care. The following recommendations minimize the potential for complications or delays in treatment:
- Calm and reassure the patient.
- Remove any constricting items, such as jewelry, from the affected limb.
- When practical, immobilize the affected limb at approximately heart level.
- Do not bring the snake to the health care center for three reasons:
- the snake may bite again;
- capture may delay transportation to professional care; and
- management will not be significantly different.
- Be aware that making an incision carries an inherent risk of complications. Vacuum pump devices have been shown to remove up to 30% of the venom without an incision if applied within 3 minutes.
Coral Snakes
The Arizona coral snake is a small snake, with a characteristic pattern of black, yellow and red rings that encircle its body. This pattern distinguishes it from many look-alike nonvenomous snakes. The Arizona coral snake averages less than 2 feet.
It is a shy animal, rarely responsible for significant envenomations. There has never been a death attributed to the Arizona species.
The size of the snake and immobility of it's fangs make bites unlikely. Nontheless, this snake should NOT BE HANDLED. A bite will cause tiny puncture wounds, minimal pain, and swelling. Symptoms are often delayed. Complaints of drowsiness, apprehension, giddiness, nausea, vomiting and salivation can appear 1 to 7 hours after the bite.
First aid measures are of little value. You should withhold food, drink or medication. Do not delay transporting the victims to a medical facility.
Above info from Arizona Poison & Drug Information Center
How NOT to Treat a Snakebite
Though U.S. medical professionals may not agree on every aspect of what to do for snakebite first aid, they are nearly unanimous in their views of what not to do. Among their recommendations:Arizona physician David Hardy, M.D., says part of the problem when someone is bitten is the element of surprise. "People often aren't trained in what to do, and they are in a panic situation." He adds that preparation--which includes knowing in advance how to get to the nearest hospital--could greatly reduce anxiety and lead to more effective care.
- No ice or any other type of cooling on the bite. Research has shown this to be potentially harmful.
- No tourniquets. This cuts blood flow completely and may result in loss of the affected limb.
- No electric shock. This method is under study and has yet to be proven effective. It could harm the victim.
- No incisions in the wound. Such measures have not been proven useful and may cause further injury.
--J.H.
Above info from US Food and Drug Administration.
More information about snake bites can be found here
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